Men in Tights: Weird Looks and Running Fashion

Men in Tights: Weird Looks and Running Fashion

OK, I admit it. I love running in tights/leggings. Short, long, I love them all, but there is one problem – it doesn’t seem to be socially acceptable in my native Trinidad. How do I know this? Well there are a couple of reasons:

1. In my almost two years of consistent running, I can count on one hand the number of men I’ve seen running in tights. If I were to take me out of that equation, the list gets even shorter.

2. It is practically impossible to find/buy tights at any of the local running stores. I’m not talking about the ones men would usually wear under a shorts (of those I also have quite a few) – I’m talking about running tights that are meant to be worn alone. In fact, over the past two years, I’ve only seen about eight such tights on sale – and I own five. There is no such discrimination on women’s tights though; they come in a myriad of styles, colours and brands. And there are some women that SHOULD NOT wear tights in public – which I referred to in an earlier post.

3. It’s the weird look (mainly from men) I sometimes get, as I trot around town in them. It’s not a negative look, but it’s the kind of look you get if you wear shorts and a tank top in the dead of winter…a slightly bemused look you’d give a weirdo that seemed to have fallen out of the fashion bubble.

jeremytightsNow, I usually don’t care what people think of my dress code, but some days I choose, or choose not to wear my tights, depending on when and where I run – just to keep the peace. Generally I’m well covered, and recently bought a few shorts to wear over them, sometimes, when my running top doesn’t cover all the ‘junk’, but on a hot day (which is practically every day here), it isn’t always practical.

But I love my tights – for good reason too:

1. I’m fascinated by compression technology. I believe it helps me recover faster from long and tempo runs, although medical evidence is still out on that one. I’m a bit of a techie, so – any kind of tech associated with running – I’m willing to try. I actually stopped wearing my Adidas calf sleeves with shorts on my normal runs, because the stares have just been too much, and I’ve been told I look like an alien in them.

2. They look good. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have the best man legs. In fact, they’re pretty skinny by most standards, which I also blogged about before. But in tights, my legs look particularly badass, if I say so myself.

edna

3. I’m a Superhero. I’ve always harboured a desire to be a superhero, and with my tights and awesome running powers (on a good day), Superman and Batman got nuthin’ on me. Really I do feel pretty superhuman when I run, and the tights just play into that role. I draw the line at running in a cape though – even if it’s a novelty race (on this I agree fully with Edna “E” Mode from “The Incredibles”).

So what does this all mean? Nothing really, other than I like my own sense of style, and I take it pretty seriously, whether I’m running or not.

After a recent trip to London, I’ve fallen in love with cardigans, which I wear almost religiously when I’m out working with clients, doing training and the like – even though it’s ridiculously hot here most of the time. I’m saved by the fact that:

1. Most employers have the AC on ridiculously cold in their offices, so it actually makes sense to employ layering.

2. I’ve got a lot of compliments on my style – especially when I meet with female executives (which account for 99% of my client base, as I work in human resources).

jeremy2But I digress; this is about tights. I started feeling all mopey about my love of tights, and my battle not to fit into anyone’s idea of what a man should wear while running (it’s all about me, right?), but my world was shaken yesterday – in a good way. As I was about to begin my run, a guy ran past me. He looked to be in his late fifties, was in pretty good shape (which I deduced from the fact that he just ran up Chancellor Hill, and had a better physique than mine), AND HE WAS WEARING TIGHTS. The kind I would wear, if I could find them to buy locally.

It was near the end of the road, so pretty soon he turned back and ran past me again. He must have seen the look of love and admiration in my eyes, because he gave me a hearty greeting amidst the pants for breath, after running uphill for 3 km – he even wished me all the best for the season. That does it – I’m rocking my tights.

I even contemplated stripping of the shorts I had on to run in the knee-length compression tights I had on underneath, but because of the top I had on, the junk would have been unduly exposed, and I had a vision of my wife divorcing me if she knew I ran in that. She generally approves of my running kit – once I’m appropriately covered – no need to advertise the goods, since I’ve been ‘off the market’ for the last eight and a half years.

So there it is. If you’ve ever wondered why I’ve posted mildly inappropriate pics of myself wearing tights on this blog (like in this post) – well now you know why… and I’m not gonna stop, so get used to it…(or not).

 

Republished with permission from jeremyrunblues.tumblr.com

About Jeremy Francis
Jeremy Francis is the Managing Director/Principal Consultant of Beyond Consulting Limited - a company that focuses on people and process development. He's also an avid runner. Check out his tumblr.

23 Comments
  • Darlene
    Posted at 20:15h, 14 January Reply

    I’m 98% sure that guy you speak of in his late 50s is my dad!!!

    • JeremyRun
      Posted at 23:55h, 15 January Reply

      LOL, if he runs Chancellor, then it could be. If he runs in tights, then he’s awesome 😉

  • Maco
    Posted at 22:37h, 20 November Reply

    I would love to wear tights without the shorts, but usually where I run or even lift there are a lot if fine ladies. This poses a problem whenever I get a hard on, which is quite often (-^_^-)’

    • stranger
      Posted at 22:45h, 08 May Reply

      wear some shorts over the top to avoid embarrassment.

  • Ian
    Posted at 12:21h, 27 January Reply

    You go guy! All you need is a little self control. I walk around the Castro in tight,.sometime with, sometimes without shorts.

  • stranger
    Posted at 22:44h, 08 May Reply

    Hi Jeremy, what a great article. I too am very much the same minded as you are. It’s great your not controlled by others who push their agenda on what men can and cannot wear while running or working out. I tend to run in 2XU compression tights myself, mainly because I suffer from shin splints and it reduces the pain of those immensely. Also I recover far quicker too. I often make sure I wear a longer top to cover the junk as well. It’s great to know you feel the need to do so also and I applaud your pursuit on modesty. Keep p the great work, and all the best.

  • Wayne
    Posted at 02:22h, 21 June Reply

    I just purchased a couple of pairs at the giant tent sale Adidas was having by my house (@ $12 a pair I simply couldn’t pass them up. I wore a pair tonight for a run in the 80° weather and fell in love. They were really comfortable and the compression felt great. It’ll be hard going back to shorts for PT Tests in the army, but, who knows, maybe they will wake up to tights someday also. Maybe everyone will and guys can wear them as pants with the same freedom women do now.

    • Np
      Posted at 09:03h, 01 January Reply

      Agreed. I’ve wore them without shorts for about 2 years now. I do run in early mornings and on a trail. At the gym I go very early and late when traffic is lower.

  • Greg Ochs
    Posted at 18:49h, 17 November Reply

    I have been a supporter of tights since the late 1980’s. I run and workout in them usually in the cool to colder weather. I like everything you said Jeremy. Especially the industries lack of variety and shine. My wife recently has taken up running.

  • Dude
    Posted at 21:34h, 07 December Reply

    Dude,

    You just wear them. And you should wear leggings for other occasions besides sports. If you can’t find decent ones for guys, just get some in the women’s section. Black or some other solid color. But black pretty much goes with everything. I don’t really like the Meggings that much, because they’re too loud. Although I appreciate that company trying to introduce the look. I think they just need to tone them down a bit to normal colors.

    All it takes is a few guys starting the trend. Then other guys will feel less intimidated to try it. People are more likely to have hang ups over transgender people verses a guy wearing leggings for comfort and style these days.

    Women are smart, they don’t care what people think about what they wear. All guys need to do is think the same way. There’s no reason women should have full access to everything while guys don’t right?

    You sound like me. You’re tired of guys being limited to two styles. Pants and shorts.

    Do yard work in them. Take the dog for a walk. Run an errand or two. Most people really won’t care and they’ll likely see them as exercise pants anyway. After awhile, people will just get used to you in them and some will secretly admire you. Some ladies might become more curious about you.

    A few guys, stuck in the last century, might think it’s weird. But those are probably the same guys that let their girlfriends or wives tell them what they should wear.

    Transgender folks kind of pushed this over the line for everyone else. So now guys in leggings is no big deal. Attitudes are more like Europe these days.

    Anyway, take care.

    • claudio
      Posted at 12:31h, 13 October Reply

      EXCELLENT!!!! the men need change the look of cloth and wear, cloth more confortable!!!

    • badboy
      Posted at 13:45h, 03 January Reply

      yes am with you guys! why are girls allow to wear as they please some of them shouldn’t wear thights but they do or when they wear workout clothing to stay home or wear sandals with workout clothing, I hate when youb can tell they just dont work out at all because more rolls are showing then they are being covered by the leggings .. BUT a MAN wears thights an WE are gay, weardos, freaks, WTF we are confident in our bodies, we should have the same fashion rights as the woman//they show cleavesh, they camel toes show no one gets offended we show a bit of jews or butt an we get everybodies bad looks.

  • Bill
    Posted at 19:43h, 13 December Reply

    I’m a guy, 6’2, 200 pounds, early 40s. Married with kids, living in suburbia. Can I pick your brain for a minute?

    If I go to the grocery store (or anywhere public) at midnight, can I wear a fleece hoodie pullover, white low-cut ankle socks, running shoes and long black Nike or Under Armour compression pants…and NOTHING ELSE (including underwear)?

    Do you think I should toss on a pair of fleece running shorts over the leggings? What color shorts? Does color matter?

    And instead of white low-cut ankle socks, can I wear thick white slouch socks with the leggings tucked in?

    How about this combination for an overnight grocery store run: a T-shirt, white low-cut ankle socks, running shoes and fleece shorts over three-quarter-length black tights (Nike or Under Armour). No underwear.

    If any of this is unacceptable for the grocery store, what about a neighborhood jog at 5:30 in the morning? Or the gym?

    Have you noticed any men wearing compression tights in public? Where? Were they discreet? Did others notice?

    Let’s assume all the clothing described here was made for men by reputable, family-trusted designers and sold in your local mall big box sporting goods store. No crossdressers, no pantyhose, no nylon, lycra or spandex fetish.

    Full disclosure: In the past year, I’ve replaced all my underwear with compression shorts. Someday all men will discover what I’ve learned and do the same. Sure, all your drawers will cost $25-$30 a pop, but the comfort makes ’em worth every penny!

    Also: I’m not trying to show off my bulge (not much to show anyway).

  • Dude
    Posted at 20:41h, 11 April Reply

    Hey Bill. I don’t think there’s any problem with a guy wearing what feels comfortable. Although I think compression pants tend to feel too tight. I think guys could get away with wearing regular leggings with a longer shirt to cover his front. No problems, no exhibitionism, no poor taste. Just comfortable.

    Just wear them like a guy would, in a sports look. I think guys can get away with that. Women wear their leggings all sorts of ways. But I think guys can and should wear them too. No big deal. What you suggeted sounds good to me. I would avoid a tight top, if you’re already wearing leggings. That would look like you were trying to get attention. Wear something that has a little room to it.

  • anona
    Posted at 07:47h, 17 September Reply

    tights are for men who want to feel and look like Jane Fonda circa 1984. you guys masterbate in these things like teen boys in speedos. tights offer no more impact than gym shorts. you just wesr them asa fetish in public. the materials feels sexy on your junk. thats the only reason.

    • Jeremy
      Posted at 13:32h, 15 January Reply

      I guess you know this from experience?

  • claudio
    Posted at 09:21h, 13 October Reply

    im fron argentina, 48 yeas old, married, one child, soory my bad english!!! i wear leggins for running and pilates class, and wear every day at home and in the street for shopping, in the park, and be walking saturday and sunday in family. whhy de woman can wear leggins everyday and the men cant??? why is ridiclus a men in leggings andthe people think this is gay!!! the leggings is a confortable pant for user everyday!!!it´s for that the woman used every day formal or informal or sportwear clouth!!! i hope that every day wear leggins in the street!!! i used and the people looking me but not said nothing!!!!

    • Anona
      Posted at 10:52h, 13 October Reply

      No one needs to see that much of your body. Women do not have balls that boumce when they run past me. It is so offensive to be forced to look at the outline of a man’s penis in public places. At the very least wesr shorts under them snd underwear if you refuse shorts otherwise you a pervert exposng yourself. There is no difference between a pervert grabbing his cock thru his pants on the train and a man in tights shopping. Stop showing off shit no one wants to ser. It is invasive.

      • claudio
        Posted at 11:52h, 13 October Reply

        the people need open mind!!! the woman have not ball but have vagina, and the penis and vagina are parts of the body, whith de arm, legs, foot, hand… a woman in leggings it,s beatifull who a men in leggings are beatiful to, the legs of woman and men in leggings always look great!!! and a men in leggins without short is not offensive, and isnt showing this parts, i wear leggins whith a long shirt and not showing my pasts, an i looking well!!!

  • anona
    Posted at 12:20h, 13 October Reply

    NO! You are wrong. You must stop this immediately. Your penis is raping the eyes of children and mothers…and men who don’t want to see your penis bulge too. I cannot see a Woman’s vagina, it is hidden inside her. There is no Vagina bulge. I see men’s bulge every day and it is unnatural to ask me to be okay with this. I am not here to see your penis bounce around. It is clear you are getting sexually aroused by making people see your penis, just like a flasher in a trench coat. I am onto you people. I know what you are doing. You are making visual sexual assault socially acceptable. It is disgusting. You can be proud of your body with clothing that covers it, but you must always be ashamed of your body and your penis. It is private. Not public. SHAME ON YOU. You are committing a sin.

    • Runner
      Posted at 01:57h, 28 June Reply

      Only perverted people like you, will be focused on men’s private parts, by stearin directly where you’re not supposed to. If a runner wears compression tights, is not your businesses. Look somewhere else and keep praying noun

    • James
      Posted at 12:48h, 15 January Reply

      Sounds like envy. I wear my running tights everywhere. I have increased the length of my hikes and they do feel good, makes me want to get out and move. I have lost 80 lbs and love my body now for the first time in years.

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